Thumb Pond.
Thumb Pond is a 49-acre water in the Indian Lake township — part of the loose constellation of ponds and wetlands that sprawl west and south of the hamlet, away from the harder-edged High Peaks country. No fish species data on record, which often signals either limited access or minimal stocking history; many of these mid-sized ponds in the southern Adirondacks hold wild brookies or yellow perch that never make it into the DEC surveys. The name suggests some cartographic logic — a bulbous shape on the topo, a branching inlet, a peninsula — but without a marked trailhead or nearby lean-to, this is more of a local or bushwhack destination than a weekend traffic magnet. Worth checking the Indian Lake town maps or asking at the hardware store if you're serious about finding it.
Thumb Pond has public access. Summits nearby include Beaver Mountain and Saints Rest.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
12 parking areas
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Trail ParkingTrailhead1.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Northwoods Club Rd Parking Lot3.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Polaris Bridge Parking Area4.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Camp Six Rd Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area4.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Outer Gooley Parking Area4.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Chain Lakes Road South Parking Lot4.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Chain Lakes Rd South Seasonal (Fall) Parking Area5.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Lost Pond/Stony Pond Trail Parking5.2 miunpavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- McSweeney's Irish Pub8.7 mi
An Irish-style pub on Route 30 in Indian Lake serving comfort-food classics (shepherd's pie, fish and chips) seven days a week, year-round. The dependable dinner spot in town.
- becks TAVERN12.9 mi
A tavern on Peaceful Valley Road in North Creek serving German-inspired dishes alongside burgers, wings, and bar standards. The Yurts out back are the conversation piece.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner15.3 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
- Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room16.8 mi
Please call 518-494-5800 for reservations, or to check for takeout and walk in availability.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop15.7 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
- Waypoint Cafe17.6 mi
Long Lake cafe at 1265 Main St. La Colombe coffee, homemade quiche, avocado toast, artisan sandwiches, salads, poke bowls, soups, and charcuterie. Closed Mondays; weeknight happy hour 4–6 p.m.
- 9 Mile Coffee Co17.7 mi
9 Mile Coffee Co. is a coffee shop in downtown Schroon Lake, NY, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell their custom coffee blends and gift cards online.
- Cupola Crepes17.7 mi
Family-run creperie at 1095 Main Street in Schroon Lake. Sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free batter available), scones, coffee, and soft serve. Wednesday through Sunday.
— 15.7 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- The Hungry Crow Market & Café12.3 mi
A downtown North Creek market and cafe serving soft serve alongside scratch-made desserts, next to Hudson River Trading Co. — the cone stop in the Gore and Upper Hudson area.
- Stone Bridge Ice Cream16.9 mi
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is a seasonal stand located 2.5 miles from the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, offering over 40 flavors of soft serve, custom ice cream cakes, and signature sundaes. It features outdoor seating and a kids' swing set.
- Custard’s Last Stand17.1 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Park17.2 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
Drink.
4- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store8.7 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake15.7 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
- Black Bear Restaurant & Bar16.8 mi
Black Bear Restaurant & Bar is an American eatery in Pottersville, NY, offering comfort food, sandwiches, and breakfast. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and popular dishes like meatloaf and gravy fries.
- Brookside Hops & Hoagies17.2 mi
Brookside Hops & Hoagies is a casual, family-friendly shop in Long Lake, founded in 2023, offering craft beers and hoagies made with fresh ingredients and Boars Head deli meats. It operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Stay.
4- North River Hobby Farm Cabin and Glamping Rentals7.7 mi
Located in the southern Adirondacks, this vacation rental property offers cozy cabins and glamping tents set over 40 acres of wildflowers and woods. Each cabin features charming old-style detailing with bay windows, beadboard walls, and…
- The Pilot's House8.2 mi
The Pilot's House sits above the Outfitter's storefront, with a wonderful view of Vanderwhacker Mt. and the Hudson River, and Santanoni Mt as a backdrop.
- Twin Coves on Indian Lake8.6 mi
Twin Coves offers nine fully equipped cottages on the shore of Indian Lake, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, water skiing, and various games, with nearby amenities like marinas, golf, and restaura…
- Thornbush Acres RV Park9.2 mi
A private RV park on Big Brook Road in Indian Lake with 46 large pull-through sites, full hookups, 30/50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, bathhouse, dump station, and a campstore. Mid-May through mid-October.
See.
4- Newcomb Ski Slope8.3 mi
2 slope municipal ski slope free to the public.
- Camp Santanoni11.3 mi
Built by the wealthy Pruyn family, Camp Santanoni is a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the early Adirondack Great Camp era and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Revolution Rail Co. - Thurman Station11.9 mi
A pedal-powered rail biking operation at Thurman Station on the Adirondack Railroad bed near North Creek, with family-friendly seasonal tours rolling alongside the Hudson River corridor through forest and open river-bank country.
- North Creek Depot Museum11.9 mi
Saved from demolition, this 1872 landmark station is now a museum, heritage center, and cultural hub in historic North Creek, featuring a fabulous diorama and exhibits on the Adirondack Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, and local history.
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- Where is Thumb Pond located?Thumb Pond is a pond in the Indian Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Thumb Pond?Thumb Pond has a surface area of approximately 49 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- Is Thumb Pond open to the public?Yes, Thumb Pond has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Thumb Pond?Within roughly seven miles of Thumb Pond: 63 designated campsites, 2 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.